Current Affairs Quiz — March 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
India's first riverine lighthouses, whose foundation stones were laid on 5 March 2026, will come up on which river?
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Correct answer: A — Brahmaputra
The four lighthouses will be built along the Brahmaputra, National Waterway-2, in Assam.
Which of the following is the only riverine lighthouse site on the north bank of the Brahmaputra?
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Correct answer: B — Biswanath Ghat
Pandu, Bogibeel and Silghat are on the south bank; Biswanath Ghat is the only north-bank site.
Consider the following statements about the riverine lighthouses on National Waterway-2: 1. They are being built by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships with the Inland Waterways Authority of India. 2. Each lighthouse will be solar-powered and 20 metres tall. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: DGLL and IWAI are building the four solar-powered, 20-metre lighthouses at about ₹84 crore.
India's nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, praised by the WHO Director-General on 5 March 2026, targets how many adolescent girls?
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Correct answer: C — 12 million
Dr Tedros praised the campaign targeting 12 million adolescent girls as the world's largest free vaccination drive.
HPV vaccination, discussed by J.P. Nadda at the WHO briefing, is mainly meant to prevent which cancer?
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Correct answer: A — Cervical cancer
The briefing was on India's commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and screening.
By what date must memorandums be submitted to the 8th Central Pay Commission, as announced on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 30 April 2026
Submissions will be received up to 30 April 2026, only through the online portals.
Who chairs the 8th Central Pay Commission?
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Correct answer: D — Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai is the Chairperson, with Prof. Pulak Ghosh as part-time member and Pankaj Jain as member-secretary.
Consider the following statements about the 8th Central Pay Commission: 1. It was constituted by a Government resolution dated 3 November 2025. 2. It is required to make its recommendations within 18 months of its constitution. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Commission was constituted by a resolution dated 3 November 2025 and must report within 18 months.
The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games will be held in which state?
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Correct answer: A — Chhattisgarh
The inaugural Games will be held in Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja in Chhattisgarh from 25 March to 6 April 2026.
How many medal sports will feature in the first Khelo India Tribal Games?
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Correct answer: B — Seven
There will be seven medal sports, with mallakhamb and kabaddi as demonstration sports.
Which two sports are demonstration sports at the first Khelo India Tribal Games?
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Correct answer: D — Mallakhamb and kabaddi
Mallakhamb and kabaddi are the demonstration sports; archery and wrestling are medal sports.
The Indian Culture Portal, whose Version 2.0 was launched on 5 March 2026, was originally launched in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2019
The portal was originally launched in December 2019 to democratise access to India's cultural heritage.
Through which platform will UNICEF India channel CSR investments into nutrition under its Statement of Intent with NITI Aayog signed on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — IMPAct4Nutrition
UNICEF India will use its IMPAct4Nutrition (I4N) platform to engage businesses and channel CSR funds into nutrition.
The Cycling League of India, whose logo was unveiled on 5 March 2026, will have how many franchises?
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Correct answer: B — Eight
The league will have eight city- or region-based franchises, each with ten cyclists.
Which body of the Ministry of Jal Shakti organised the review of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 with Madhya Pradesh collectors on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — National Water Mission
The meeting was organised by the National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR, with the Madhya Pradesh government.
The Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank on 4 March 2026 off which coastal town?
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Correct answer: D — Galle, Sri Lanka
According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship was operating about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, Sri Lanka.
Where was the distress call from IRIS Dena received on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — MRCC Colombo
The distress call was received at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, as reported by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Which Indian Navy ship, operating nearby, reached the IRIS Dena search area by 1600 hrs on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — INS Tarangini
INS Tarangini was deployed to aid the rescue effort and arrived in the search area by 1600 hrs; INS Ikshak later sailed from Kochi.
According to AP, how many people did the Sri Lanka Navy rescue after IRIS Dena sank?
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Correct answer: B — 32
AP reported that the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 people and recovered 87 bodies.
Consider the following statements about the IRIS Dena incident of 4 March 2026: 1. The ship was in the search-and-rescue region under India's responsibility when it sent the distress call. 2. The ship had recently taken part in International Fleet Review 2026, an exercise hosted by India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Ministry of Defence said the ship was in the SAR region under Sri Lanka's responsibility, so Sri Lanka led the search; BBC reported its participation in International Fleet Review 2026 hosted by India.
The second phase of Meghalaya's FOCUS+ scheme was launched on 4 March 2026 in which district?
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Correct answer: C — North Garo Hills
CM Conrad K. Sangma launched FOCUS+ Phase II at Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, with 2,000 additional beneficiaries.
The FOCUS+ Phase II launch on 4 March 2026 coincided with the 10th death anniversary of which leader?
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Correct answer: D — P.A. Sangma
The programme marked the 10th death anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma and eight years of the MDA Government.
Consider the following statements about Meghalaya's Green Meghalaya programme as announced on 4 March 2026: 1. The programme, covering 50,000 hectares, is to be expanded by another 50,000 hectares. 2. Under the Green Meghalaya Plus model, incentives of up to ₹20,000 per hectare per year are paid through a Payment for Ecosystem Services framework. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct, as reported by the Meghalaya Times and Northeast News: coverage will double from 50,000 hectares, and Green Meghalaya Plus pays up to ₹20,000 per hectare per year under a Payment for Ecosystem Services model.
What was the HSBC India Services PMI for February 2026, released on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 58.1
The services PMI was 58.1 in February, compared with 58.5 in January.
Which agency compiles the HSBC India Services PMI?
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Correct answer: B — S&P Global
The HSBC India PMI series is compiled by S&P Global; data for February 2026 were collected from 9 to 25 February.
Consider the following statements about India's PMI data for February 2026: 1. New orders in the services sector rose at the slowest pace since January 2025. 2. The composite PMI fell from January's level. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. New services orders grew at a 13-month low, but the composite PMI rose to 58.9 from 58.4, the fastest private-sector growth in three months.
What was the theme of National Safety Day 2026, observed on 4 March?
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Correct answer: D — Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety
The 55th National Safety Day/Week in 2026 had the theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.
National Safety Day on 4 March commemorates the founding of which organisation?
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Correct answer: A — National Safety Council of India
National Safety Day marks the foundation of the National Safety Council of India on 4 March 1966.
Consider the following statements about National Safety Day: 1. The National Safety Council of India was founded on 4 March 1966. 2. National Safety Day was first observed in 1972. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the Council was founded on 4 March 1966 and the day was first observed in 1972. The 2026 observance was the 55th edition.
The Saraighat Rana Smritisaudh, inaugurated in Guwahati on 4 March 2026, commemorates a battle fought in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1671
The memorial honours warriors of the Battle of Saraighat, fought in 1671 under Ahom general Lachit Borphukan.
How many warriors' names are engraved on the Saraighat Rana Smritisaudh in Guwahati?
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Correct answer: C — 132
The memorial, built in traditional Ahom style at Panbazar, bears the engraved names of 132 warriors.
Consider the following statements about the Battle of Saraighat: 1. The Ahom forces were led by Lachit Borphukan. 2. The battle was a naval clash fought on the Brahmaputra against Mughal forces. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: India Today NE and the Times of India state that Ahom general Lachit Borphukan led the 1671 battle, and the Times of India describes it as a naval clash on the Brahmaputra that halted Mughal expansion.
Which ministry set up a special control room on 4 March 2026 for Indians affected by the West Asia and Gulf crisis?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs set up the control room, working from 9 am to 9 pm.
According to the MEA in March 2026, roughly how many Indian citizens live in West Asia?
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Correct answer: A — Nearly one crore
The MEA said nearly one crore Indian citizens reside in West Asia and their safety is of utmost priority.
What is the toll-free number of the MEA special control room set up on 4 March 2026 for the West Asia situation?
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Correct answer: A — 1800118797
The control room can be reached on the toll-free number 1800118797 and on three Delhi landline numbers from 9 am to 9 pm.
Which team did New Zealand beat in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — South Africa
New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets, ending South Africa's unbeaten run in the tournament.
Finn Allen's unbeaten 100 in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, the fastest century in men's T20 World Cups, came off how many balls?
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Correct answer: B — 33
Allen made 100 not out off 33 balls, with 10 fours and eight sixes according to BBC Sport.
Consider the following statements about the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: 1. New Zealand chased the target with 43 balls to spare. 2. It was New Zealand's first appearance in a men's T20 World Cup final. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: New Zealand made 173 for 1 in 12.5 overs. The ICC noted it would be their second men's T20 World Cup final, after 2021.
The Dinesh Goswami Flyover, inaugurated on 4 March 2026, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Guwahati
The 1.2-km flyover at Bharalumukh, Guwahati, was completed in 15 months against a 24-month target.
Which body organised the free health check-up camps during Janaushadhi Saptah 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
PMBI, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, organised the camps at about 250 locations from 1 to 5 March 2026.
According to officials, roughly how many devotees visited the Braj region for Holi festivities between 24 February and 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Over 44 lakh
Officials said more than 44 lakh devotees visited Mathura, Vrindavan and other Braj sites, with five to six lakh more expected.
For which force are the six ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) helicopters contracted on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard
The six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters, worth ₹2,901 crore, are for the Indian Coast Guard.
With which company did the Defence Ministry sign the contract for Vertical Launch-Shtil missiles on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — JSC Rosoboronexport
The ₹2,182 crore VL-Shtil contract was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation.
What was the combined value of the ALH Mk-III and VL-Shtil contracts signed on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹5,083 crore
The two contracts totalled ₹5,083 crore: ₹2,901 crore for ALH Mk-III and ₹2,182 crore for VL-Shtil.
Consider the following statements about the ALH Mk-III (MR) contract of 3 March 2026: 1. It was placed with HAL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. 2. The helicopters are single-engine platforms meant only for shore-based operations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Ministry describes the ALH Mk-III as twin-engine helicopters able to operate from shore-based airfields and from ships at sea.
Mobile World Congress 2026, where India's Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated on 3 March 2026, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Barcelona
MWC 2026 was held from 2 to 5 March at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.
What was the theme of the GSMA Ministerial session at MWC 2026 where Jyotiraditya Scindia delivered the closing keynote?
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Correct answer: B — Breaking the Cost Barrier
Scindia gave the closing keynote of 'Breaking the Cost Barrier', on the affordability gap that excludes 3.1 billion people.
According to the curtain raiser unveiled at MWC 2026, when will India Mobile Congress 2026 be held?
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Correct answer: C — 7–10 October 2026
IMC 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 7 to 10 October 2026.
Who chaired the 3 March 2026 review of the security of Indian vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf?
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Correct answer: D — Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the review.
Through which body did the Shipping Ministry activate enhanced monitoring of Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf in March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Directorate General of Shipping
The Directorate General of Shipping started real-time tracking and 24×7 monitoring through the MMDAC DGComm Centre.
What type of eclipse occurred on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Total lunar eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurred on 3 March 2026, with totality from 16:34 to 17:33 IST.
During the total lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026, the end of totality was visible from which parts of India?
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Correct answer: A — Parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Most of India saw only the ending at moonrise; some places in North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could also see the end of totality.
Consider the following statements about the lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026: 1. The totality phase lasted from 16:34 to 17:33 IST. 2. Most places in India saw the entire totality phase because the Moon had already risen. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Moon had not risen over most of India during totality, so most places saw only the ending of the eclipse at moonrise.
The Capital Region Ring Road project, for which NHAI issued Letters of Award in March 2026, is being built around which city?
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Correct answer: B — Bhubaneswar
The 111-km Capital Region Ring Road is also called the Bhubaneswar Bypass, in Odisha.
Under which model will the Bhubaneswar Capital Region Ring Road be built?
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Correct answer: C — Hybrid Annuity Mode
The 111-km road will be built in three packages under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
Consider the following statements about the Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar Bypass): 1. It runs for 111 km from Rameshwar to Tangi. 2. It is a four-lane brownfield upgrade of an existing highway. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The project is a six-lane access-controlled greenfield road with a design speed of 100 kmph.
What was the theme of the post-Budget webinar addressed by PM Modi on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth
The second webinar of the post-Budget series was on 'Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth'.
According to J.P. Nadda at the 3 March 2026 webinar, how much has been allocated over five years for the BioPharma mission?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10,000 crore
₹10,000 crore over five years is for the BioPharma mission, within a total ₹13,000 crore provision for BioPharma SHAKTI and three chemical parks.
What was the theme of World Wildlife Day 2026, observed on 3 March?
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Correct answer: B — Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods
The 2026 theme was 'Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods'.
World Wildlife Day on 3 March marks the adoption of which international convention?
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Correct answer: C — CITES
The day marks the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Consider the following statements based on the PIB backgrounder for World Wildlife Day 2026: 1. India is one of 17 mega-biodiverse countries. 2. Of India's roughly 15,000 medicinal plant species, about 8,000 are used in Indian medicine. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct according to the PIB backgrounder on World Wildlife Day 2026.
Attukal Pongala, held on 3 March 2026, takes place in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Thiruvananthapuram
Attukal Pongala is offered by women devotees to the deity of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Why was the sanctum of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple closed from 3.10 pm to 7 pm on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — A lunar eclipse
A lunar eclipse fell on the same day, so the sanctum closed after the Pongala rituals and reopened at 7 pm.
According to TRAI's report released on 3 March 2026, how many internet subscribers did India have at the end of December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 1,028.61 million
Internet subscribers rose to 1,028.61 million, of which 1,007.35 million were broadband.
Consider the following statements based on TRAI's report for October–December 2025: 1. Broadband subscribers crossed 1,000 million. 2. Narrowband internet subscribers increased during the quarter. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: broadband reached 1,007.35 million. Narrowband subscribers fell 4.18% to 21.25 million.
Which minister briefed the media on 3 March 2026 on India's energy preparedness amid hostilities in the Middle East?
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Correct answer: D — Hardeep Singh Puri
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri gave the briefing.
According to the Petroleum Ministry in March 2026, what is India's global rank as a refiner?
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Correct answer: B — Fourth
India is the fourth-largest refiner, third-largest importer and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products globally.
Consider the following statements from the Petroleum Ministry's briefing of 3 March 2026: 1. Indian energy companies have access to some supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz. 2. A 24×7 control room has been set up to monitor supply and stock positions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the ministry cited supplies that avoid the Strait of Hormuz and set up a 24×7 control room to monitor stocks nationwide.
The Kaziranga Orchid Park, inaugurated on 3 March 2026, is located at which place in Assam?
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Correct answer: B — Kohora
The park is at Kohora in Kaziranga National Park, Golaghat district.
What is the 'Mudhalvar Padaippagam' inaugurated by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin in Chennai on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — A Chief Minister's Creative Centre with a modern library
Mudhalvar Padaippagam means Chief Minister's Creative Centre; the Ashok Nagar centre has a modern library and was built by CMDA.